Raise a service puppy

Do you love puppies or want to learn more about dog training? Our puppy raising program provides a unique opportunity for you to assist Good Dog! in helping children and families living with a disability. As a volunteer puppy raiser, you will provide a puppy with a safe home, take them to obedience classes, feed them a healthy diet, socialize them and give them lots of love.

Our volunteer puppy raisers provide a great service to the Good Dog! program; you will help establish the foundation of early experiences, which are critical in preparing the puppy for Advanced Training. Dog training experience is not required and we will teach you the basics of raising a puppy and obedience training.

This commitment involves four major areas of personal and financial responsibility:

Care

Provide a safe home environment.
Supply Good Dog! approved food and other supplies required for puppy raising.
Dog Training

Participate in Good Dog! in-person training classes 2x/month or more, as determined by the Area Lead.
Submit monthly training reports.
Participate in virtual or in-person meetings as requested by Area Lead.
Socialization

Enroll in Good Dog! approved puppy socialization classes.
Expose the puppy to a variety of environmental and situational experiences.
Agree to follow Good Dog! approved socialization guidelines and handling techniques.
Commitment

Safely house and care for a puppy from eight weeks of age until approximately 14 months of age. Household must not include children younger than six or pets younger than 2 years of age.
Devote time each day to oversee the complete care of the puppy: feeding, grooming, socialization, and exercise as recommended by our Good Dog! Lead Trainer.
Puppy Raiser pays the cost of supplies, food and care. Good Dog! pays for all medical costs related to the puppy.
We are seeking volunteer puppy raisers in the Sonoma County, CA area. Puppy raisers must be willing to travel to Petaluma, CA for puppy training classes at least twice a month.

Good Dog! pays for all medical costs related to the puppy. Puppy Raiser pays the cost of supplies, food and care.

Please note that your household must not include children under 6 or other pets under 2 years of age. You must have a fenced yard or be willing to create a secure area for the puppy to run freely.